Atari is branching out into television with a new celebrity game show, appropriately titled The Great Atari Celebrity Showdown. The series, according to a release, “celebrates the history of gaming, the culture of entertainment, and the joy of competing like we’re kids.”
Deadline further reports that the show has enlisted executive producers Jay Blumenfield and Tony Marsh, known for their work on The Chelsea Handler Show, Here Come the Newlyweds, and Gigolos. “We’re excited to partner with Atari to bring you the ultimate celebrity game show, filled with drama, comedy, and nostalgia,” Blumenfield said. Marsh echoed the sentiment, highlighting the opportunity for celebrities to have fun and connect with audiences.
Details are still sparse on what the show exactly is, aside from apparently some way of exploring the brand’s history–with celebrities, in a game show. The 2021 Peacock series Frogger, a competition series based on the Konami arcade game, may offer some sense of what could be in store.
Founded in 1972, Atari revolutionized arcade gaming with iconic titles like Asteroids, Pong, and RollerCoaster Tycoon, boasting a portfolio of over 200 titles. Last month, Atari unveiled plans for a docuseries titled Game Changers: The Story of Atari, reflecting on its 50-year history and “anticipated future.”
In 2022 Atari released Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration, a video game compilation and interactive documentary chronicling its history. Developed by Digital Eclipse, Atari 50 features interviews with former Atari employees, archival footage, and newly created games inspired by classics.
